Gentle Readers and Dear Friends thanks again for stopping by, I do appreciate your visits, comments and emails. I wasn't too sure about mentioning eating gator, but it is one of the things I get when I can. There is a "southern" restaurant here in SF that I have even been able to get gator at!! I first had gator in Louisiana, and found it delicious!! If over cooked it can be a bit on the chewy side, but when done correctly it is a juicy "sweet" meat - to me it has a very distinct flavour not very chickeny - I love trying new things - food, experiences, places and people - life is to be lived and experienced... and you can't do that from the sidelines!! A little pep talk on this cold Thursday morning!!
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More about my Christmas....... We took a day off from the Christmas fa-la-la and took a family day trip - since my mom lives so very close to St Augustine, everyone thought it would be nice to take a drive north and make a visit. If you remember I was just there this past summer, but it is a super place and I was all up for another trip.
John, had rented a Harley the evening before and to make it a nice ride for him we took A1A along the ocean, it takes a little longer but the ride is so much nicer!! We crossed over the Granada Bridge heading toward A1A and I took this picture from our car.....
This is John and niece on the Harley he got... In Florida it is at the riders discretion whether or not to wear a helmet. It was another lovely warm breezy, bright day - so the drive was really great... we headed north and after an hour or so ended up here...
The Castillo is a low lying fort but as you get closer you see how very big it really is....
The flag they fly over the fort is the "Cross of Burgundy" Flag (1506-1701) - this is the flag that the conquistadors carried with them in their conquest of the Americas. We visited the Castillo first then went down into the old town.... I took a bunch of snaps....
There are lots of courtyards behind the houses, and I got this snap by poking my head through a fence.
This is The Pena-Peck House and was constructed c. 1750 by order of the King of Spain to be the residence of his royal Treasurer, Juan Esteban de Pena.
is the inside of the Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine or you can click HERE to read more about the Parish - I love the ceiling painted such a vibrant red.
This is the main alter all decorated in evergreen for the season - even in this large space the scent of pine was wonderful!!
This large mural depicts the spreading of the faith in Florida by the Spanish.
.. and they had up a lovely large Nativity for the season.
Here is a snap of the street the runs along beside The Columbia Restaurant. A really nice place for a leisurely sit down type meal. We got a great lunch The Bunnery Cafe on St George Street.
John took this snap of me - looking all sweaty and red from the sun.....
Here is another street shot - with typical houses and palm trees.... We had a super visit and I would totally recommend it to anyone who wants a little history and a break from the bigger attractions in central Florida.
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That's about it for today sports fans. More to come tomorrow, do stop by again!!
Take care,
edgar
It looks like such an interesting place. One rarely hears about the history of Florida during the Spanish ownership of it. Loved the pics -- that cathedral's interior is just gorgeous! Love the pics of family as well. Always nice to see a pic of Edgar himself! Oh and thanks for answering my question about the gator tail. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteDamn, Edgar. You're quite handsome. Loved the photos. Being from Louisiana, I've eaten gator. Not bad, but I'd rather have a Sensation Salad!!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures!
ReplyDeleteGator sounds good - probably not something I should try and cook, since I tend to overcook. :) Your pictures look so sunny and warm and the cathedral must have been amazing in person. Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pics, Edgar (especially the one of you - SO cute!). Sounds like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for the tour, love other peoples holiday snaps...Happy New Year to the whole bunch .
ReplyDeleteI like your life philosophy. I'd rather go for the gusto than watch someone else go for it. Last time we were in St. Augustine we went on a tour through the old Flagler Hotel, now part of the college. It was really beautiful inside.
ReplyDeleteoooo love the trip around :) sorry you still can't change mind about gator ..lol and what a lovely photo of you too :)
ReplyDeletechurch looks fantastic and a wonderful place to go and visit :)and well I would have been on the back of that Harley and brought my own helmet ;) love mouse xxxx
Thank you for the lovely photo tour! Love the red Harley! I am happy you had a good vacation!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Looks like a wonderful time in such a historic place. Loved all the pictures - but especially the one of you!!
ReplyDeleteI've had gator, too, in NOLA. I thought it was pretty good!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous church, and that Nativity is beautiful.
Hmmm, I think you look pretty dapper in that picture. You must have had the right lighting for your closeup. ;)
Your post brought back wonderful memories of visiting my grandparents who spent winters north of Daytona Beach. We often went to St Augustine. Thanks for sharing. Cindy.
ReplyDeleteEdgar you are quite the handsome man.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and great details about your trips. Thank you for sharing.
hugs
-missy-
Gator??? Never had that one before but would surely try it. I try everything ... Lol. Loved reading about your trip and the pic of you is very cute. Love it.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a fantastic 2012
Edgar: Sweaty or not you still are so handsom.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you had a great time, holidays are so special when spent with Family.
Happy Newyear
Catherine
I'm new to reading your blog Edgar, how lovely to see a pic of you.
ReplyDeleteSuper pics, thank you for sharing your trip.
It's amazing how much we have to see and learn in this country and individual states. I always made the mistake of staying at resorts. Looks like I missed a lot and I appreciate visiting the Edgar Channel for travel info. Where are we going tomorrow????
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tour! Sounds like a good time making the trip on a motorcycle.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to visit! I'm always up for trying new foods......I've had bison, elk, venison, Canada goose, and even caribou, but have never had the chance to try gator! Great pic of yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictures from Florida - we visited there 22 years ago with our daughter, who was 4 at the time,so we did not get to see all the sights. I really enjoy following your blog - you have a fan in Hot Springs, AR!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting pictures of historical Florida - we visited there 22 years ago when our daughter was 4 and did not get to see all the sights (we were on our way to Disney World). I enjoy your blog - you have a fan in Hot Springs, AR
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome young man you are. So nice to have a face to go with the words! Your trip sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHi Edgar, Thanks for the trip down memory lane. We lived in FL many years ago and St. Augustine was one of my very favorite places to visit. I think I liked it better than Disneyworld!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I really enjoy reading your posts and your beautiful needlework!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your photos Edgar! I think the building from 1750 built by the King of Spain is so interesting, and the shots of the cathedral are amazing! Wonderful photo of you!
ReplyDeleteEdgar, thanks for another great post. I have been to most all 50 states but never Florida. Your pictures make me really want to go for a visit. Will add it to my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with everyone. You look marvelous (say that with a Billy Crystal voice). I want to know how you stay trim with all the amazing food you cook.
Holly
Edgar, u are really cute!! Love your blog and your inspiration.....Happy New Stitching Year! Darby Logan
ReplyDeleteI guess I could have quoted Marian!!!